Hamas Nears Agreement to Gradually Disarm in Gaza Amid International Mediation

Advanced negotiations are underway for Hamas to relinquish control over Gaza and gradually disarm, according to a report by Channel 13 News. The anticipated agreement, expected to be announced soon, involves Hamas handing over weapons over several years but not committing to surrender heavy arms. Arab states would pay millions in severance to Hamas officials replaced by a technocratic committee, while Israel would commit to a long-term ceasefire including halting targeted killings in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Forces would maintain their positions along the "yellow line" but gradually withdraw from some areas.

The talks, held in Cairo under Egyptian intelligence auspices and mediated by Qatar and Turkey, aim for a signing ceremony in the coming days. Despite progress, U.S., regional, and Palestinian sources describe the deal as partly symbolic, noting Hamas’s reluctance to fully disarm or reveal tunnel networks. Israeli officials stress that full disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza remain preconditions for any Israeli withdrawal, rejecting partial agreements. Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Trump have not discussed Gaza directly, and Israel has submitted objections to the proposed 15-point framework through envoy Tony Blair.

The Israeli cabinet recently approved the entry of an international peace council into Gaza, a Trump initiative, with only National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir opposing. The council’s peacekeeping force would operate beyond the yellow line under Israeli coordination, with deployment requiring approval from Israel’s prime minister, defense, and foreign ministers. The force would include representatives from friendly countries such as Uganda and Morocco.

Israeli political figures strongly criticized the emerging deal. Ben-Gvir condemned negotiations with Hamas, calling for its destruction, while Avigdor Lieberman warned that any agreement with Hamas risks repeating the October 7 attacks. The deal’s finalization depends on resolving issues like Israel’s ability to respond militarily and the authority of the international stabilization force.